Lagos Assembly Crisis: Sacked Clerk Onafeko Moves to Hold Speaker Meranda in Contempt Over Court Defiance

Legal Showdown Intensifies as Leadership Tensions Boil Over

A full-blown constitutional standoff is unfolding in the Lagos State House of Assembly as embattled Clerk Olalekan Onafeko moves to initiate contempt proceedings against Speaker Mojisola Meranda for defying a court order mandating his reinstatement. The escalating power struggle has thrust the Assembly into legal uncertainty, raising critical concerns over judicial authority and governance in Nigeria’s economic nerve center.

Backdrop: The Power Struggle That Triggered the Legal War

The seeds of this dispute were sown in January 2025, following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on allegations of financial misconduct and authoritarian rule. His removal marked a seismic shift in the Assembly’s leadership, with Mojisola Meranda making history as the first female Speaker of Lagos.

In the leadership transition’s aftermath, Onafeko, a known ally of the ousted Speaker, was dismissed from his role as Clerk. The move was widely seen as a political purge aimed at consolidating Meranda’s control. In his place, Babatunde Ottun was appointed Acting Clerk—a decision that set the stage for a fierce legal battle.

Court Verdict: Justice Esowe Orders Immediate Reinstatement

Seeking legal redress, Onafeko filed an ex parte application at the National Industrial Court, challenging his removal. In a landmark ruling on February 20, 2025, Justice M. N. Esowe unequivocally declared his dismissal illegal and ordered his immediate reinstatement.

The court’s directive was crystal clear:

• Babatunde Ottun must cease functioning as Acting Clerk.
• The Assembly must reinstate Onafeko without delay.
• All parties must maintain the status quo pending a full hearing on March 3, 2025.

Yet, rather than compliance, what followed was outright defiance.

Defiance and Legal Repercussions: Speaker Meranda in Contempt Crosshairs

Despite the court's unequivocal ruling, reports indicate that Speaker Meranda has failed to reinstate Onafeko. On attempting to resume office, Onafeko was allegedly met with resistance—his office padlocked, his access denied.

Speaking at the Assembly complex, his legal team condemned the Speaker’s actions as a blatant violation of judicial authority, warning that such defiance could plunge the House into a constitutional crisis.

“The Speaker’s refusal to obey a court ruling is a direct affront to the judiciary. This is contempt, and the law is clear—no one, not even a Speaker, is above the court,” a member of Onafeko’s legal team stated.

The High Stakes: Contempt Proceedings and Potential Legal Fallout

Under Nigerian law, defying a court order can carry severe consequences. Should the Speaker persist in obstructing Onafeko’s reinstatement, she could face:

• Fines or imprisonment for contempt of court.
• A judicial escalation that could see the National Industrial Court enforce its ruling through enforcement orders.
• A political backlash that may weaken her position within the Assembly.

Legal experts caution that a Speaker openly defying a judicial mandate sets a dangerous precedent, undermining not just the judiciary but the stability of democratic institutions in Lagos.

The Bigger Picture: A House in Turmoil

This legal standoff is merely one facet of a deeper crisis roiling the Lagos Assembly. Mudashiru Obasa’s impeachment was fueled by damning allegations, including:

• The misappropriation of ₦44 billion in Assembly funds.
• A questionable ₦17 billion expenditure on a gate construction project.
• Persistent accusations of financial opacity and abuse of office.

These unresolved controversies have left the Assembly fractured, with competing factions jostling for control.

What Next? A Defining Moment for Lagos Governance

With the March 3, 2025 hearing fast approaching, Lagosians and legal analysts alike are watching closely. The unfolding events will not only shape the House of Assembly’s credibility but also set a defining precedent for the rule of law in Nigeria.

Will Speaker Meranda yield to judicial authority, or will this crisis deepen into a full-blown constitutional impasse?

One thing remains certain: The stakes have never been higher.